2018 has been a season full of challenges and in no small part, the challenges were created initially by the decision the Dodgers made (and still denied by them) to not exceed the Luxury Tax Threshold (“LTT”). Many fans don’t agree with the decision, but on every level, except my RFL (“Rabid Fan Level”), I agree with it. I actually thought they would get below it in 2017, but it…
That the Dodgers snatched defeat from the jaws of victory is obvious. However, the implosion of the bullpen (Chaggy in particular) is a symptom, not the disease. The symptom manifests itself when the disease is active. The disease is “FailureToScoreRunsItis.” Last night, Dodger hitters left 12 runners stranded (combined). At the trade deadline, FAZ acquired two of the biggest bats on the market in Machado and Dozier. Add in a…
I can’t complain about the pitching changes last night. It all boils down to Rosscup not doing his job on lefties. Some will complain about taking Maeda out and they will be the same ones who complained when they left him in. Rosscup doesn’t belong. Axford looked like he does. His first outing was horrid (the worst of his career), but he overcame another Joc Pederson outfield gaffe to shut…
I am just going to say it, even if it costs me my media access… wait, I don’t have media access anymore, so here goes: Dave Roberts is dumber than a bag of hammers if he left Pedro Baez in to allow 5 runners to get on base and all score. Even Ray Charles could see that Baez was a “deer in the headlights.” We all knew what was going to happen. …
I have identified ten (10) Dodger players who are most vitally important to the Dodgers winning the NL West, NLDS, NLCS and World Series. It’s not Manny Machado – he will get his. It’s an adjustment, but he will be fine, great! It’s not Brian Dozier – if Doc lets him play everyday, he will put up MVP-type numbers the rest of this season. It’s not Clayton Kershaw – I…
A couple of days ago, when the Dodgers won 21-5, I reminded you that you should not get too high – that it was only one game! The 14-0 debacle last night is also only one game, but if I were you I would be very worried right about now. Losing to Verlander 2-1 is no shame, but losing 14-0 with the offense being MIA is a sign that these…
Just a couple of years ago at age 18, Julio Urias was the Dodgers Top Prospect. He was off-limits in any trade discussions. He was the heir apparent to Clayton Kershaw as the Dodgers Ace. As a rookie, he was much better than Clayton – not even up for debate! The Dodgers handled him with kid gloves… and then the unthinkable happened. He was injured and had anterior capsule surgery…
Yesterday Mark made a good argument as to why the Dodgers might want to stand pat. Today I would like to make an argument as to why the Dodgers should consider another move or two. I understand the thought that with how the Dodgers are built right now they can compete and win the NL West. I understand why many believe the team should stay as is and let the team…
Maybe this is what happens at the trade deadline: Rotoworld Injury Updates Hyun-Jin Ryu (groin) pitched two innings in a simulated game on Wednesday. Next up is a three-inning simulated appearance Saturday in Los Angeles. The left-hander will likely begin a minor league rehab assignment after that. Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts said Friday that Julio Urias (shoulder) is a serious candidate to work out of the club’s bullpen down the…
Well, I’ll be damned! I never thought it would happen… and it hasn’t actually happened, partially because the Baltimore Orioles medical staff is legendary for killing deals due to medical reports or actual physicals. It’s possible it could still unravel… remember Peter Angelos is the owner of one of the worst-run franchises in baseball. Hopefully it is finalized soon, so we can get on with it. When the Dodgers traded…